Pioneers upset af2’s top team
Michael Balakier
Sunday April 25, 2004
Backed by a strong defensive effort, the Pioneers upended the af2’s top ranked team, 40-27. The upset over the Steamwheelers (3-1) keeps Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (3-0) undefeated atop the American Conference’s Northeast division.
“We were able to get great pressure and that’s where it all starts,” said Pioneers head coach Les Moss. “It always starts with getting heat on their quarterback and protecting your quarterback and we were able to get great pressure.”
Defensive specialist Kyle Grove, who finished the game with an interception and six pass deflections, led the Pioneers defensively. Overall, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s defense combined for 13 pass deflections as opposed to Quad City’s two.
“It was an upset,” said Grove, who was named the game’s MVP and ADT Defensive Player of the Game. “But we gotta go to the Quad a couple weeks from now and they’ll be a lot better. It’ll be a close game next time.”
Moss also agrees that the victory over the Steamwheelers was an upset.
“It’s a huge upset. There’s no question,” said Moss. “Before the game I told all these guys we were going to find out how good we are.”
However, Pioneers’ quarterback Tim Hicks didn’t think the win over the league’s top team was as much of an upset as people may have thought.
“In everybody else in the league’s mind, probably. But with us, no,” said Hicks, who went 16-27 for 178 yards and three touchdowns. “We knew we had a good team and we knew they were a good team. Whichever team executed best, I think, was going to win. I think it was even as far as skill level.”
Regardless if the win qualified as an upset, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton FB/LB Kevin Nagle, who is the only player remaining from the team’s inaugural season, believes Saturday night’s win was the biggest in Pioneers’ history.
“I think it’s got to be,” said Nagle. “We played the best team in the country tonight and we beat them upfront.”
Moss also agrees. “It’s the biggest win for the area, for the franchise, for the fans, but mainly for the players.”
Despite the solid start by the Pioneers, Nagle was quick to warn not to look too far ahead.
“We’re only 3-0 though. We can’t be complacent or anything. We gotta keep coming and keep working and this could be a special year.”
The Pioneers now face another undefeated team, the Louisville Fire, next Saturday night at Wachovia Arena. The Fire, who finished the last two seasons 2-14 and 5-11, respectively, will be looking to topple the Pioneers, who very well may be the newest Goliath in the af2.
Game Notes
Defensive minded: Through the Pioneers’ first three games, the team’s defense has arguably been the biggest factor in contributing to the team’s undefeated start. And although Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s offense has looked pretty sharp too, quarterback Tim Hicks has no complaints over the defense’s robust play. He says it makes his job much easier. “It makes it a lot easier for probably the whole offense but I know for sure it makes it easier for me. We have to be getting some of the best field position in the league every time.” Winning with defense is no stranger to Pioneers’ head coach Les Moss, who was once defensive coordinator with the Orlando Predators. “In Orlando we always won with defense. That’s how I won this (a very big and nice-looking Arena Bowl championship ring).”
Comin’ through: Late in the first half with the Pioneers driving, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton WR/LB Leroy McFadden, who was named last week’s af2 Ironman, caught a pass from quarterback Tim Hicks and fought his way for extra yardage while Quad City defensive specialist Matt Forbes held onto McFadden’s feet while McFadden dragged him for about five yards. On the next play, McFadden caught a Hicks touchdown pass on a lob in the right corner of the endzone. Odd as it may sound, McFadden preferred the former play. “I like running people over,” McFadden said.
Odds and ends: J.R. Thomas emerged as a primary target for Tim Hicks. Thomas finished with 11 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown…The catch of the game was made by Quad City’s LaRico Cole. On the second play of the fourth quarter, Cole caught a 28-yard pass down the left side of the field over his right shoulder and on his right shoulder pad…The Pioneers lead the league in points allowed, giving up only 99 points through three games. The Wichita Stealth are second, allowing 114 points through four games…Fans in attendance were given the infamous thunder sticks, made well-known during the Anaheim Angels World Series run a few years back. They are as loud as they are annoying.
Michael Balakier first discovered a knack for writing during his senior year in high school while reporting for his school`s newspaper. Aside from being an Arenaball fan, Michael is an avid Syracuse University athletics follower, which poses a problem for him, as he attends the University of Pittsburgh. Michael plans on using what he has learned through his Arenafan experience to remain as impartial as he can during future Syracuse/Pitt events. Michael also serves as co-Editor of the af2 section of Arenafan Online.
